30 Best Light Up Sensory Toys for Teens & Adults with Autism
May 27, 2024
I was fortunate enough to teach in a newly renovated building with a Snozelon room. The room featured a light-up permanent peg board, a vibrating upholstered chair, fiber optic tentacles hanging from the ceiling, and a large bubble tube. Sensory rooms made specifically for students with special needs, including autism spectrum disorders, offer a unique sensory input experience, with lights being a main component.
I also had a cabinet full of other light-up toys, including a fiber optic lamp, glowing spinners, and glow-in-the-dark snap bracelets. I even remember buying gloves with light-up fingertips and mini fiber optic wands that attached to one's fingertips for variety's sake. As a teacher who used lights to calm the room or simply change the environment, I would have put to good use an even larger collection of light-up toys.
While my experience was specific to teens and young adults, lights appeal to children of all ages. Having an array of light-up toys on sensory tables for autistic children can offer the unique visual stimulation they may seek.
Need for Lights
Lights are one of the visual sensory toys categories. Lights are sensory tools that can have both a calming or energizing effect. Lowering lights is one of the best ways to calm the mood, and adding lights is a great way to attract or energize.
If you're shopping for light-up toys for the first time, consider the following when evaluating the lighting features of versatile sensory equipment.
Colors
The color options of a light-up toy will impact the sensory experience. Light-up toys can have lights with bright, vibrant colors or a single low and soft color. Some toys have the option to choose between a variety of colors, and others will have color-changing features, where a rainbow of colors may move across or through the toy. Also, lights can be a cool white shade, which tends to be more harsh for the eyes, or a warm yellow tone, which mimics daylight.
Speed
With lights that move, there may be a variety of speeds. The lights may move quickly or slowly and be flashing more naturally, morphing from one color to the next. By contrast, a light-up toy may not have any moving light but rather a steady light with a simple turn on and off. When finding a light-up toy match, identify the individual's lighting speed preferences and sensory sensitivities.
Also, for fast-moving or quick flashing lights, consult a doctor to ensure the speed will not trigger a medical episode.
Activation
Many toys are activated with the touch of a button, however there are other ways to trigger light. Some toys will light up when a sensor detects motion, whether it be movement from gross motor skills or fine motor skills motion. Some light-up toys are activated by touch, sound, and even water.
Keep in mind that some toys use batteries to light up, and others have an internal battery that may be rechargeable. Those with a rechargeable or replaceable battery pack will last longer and may cost more.
Environment
Identify where the teen or adult would prefer to engage with light-up toys and what the environment needs are. For sensory integration in a public space, the light-up toy may need to have little to no sound so as not to disrupt others. For nighttime or outdoor sensory spaces, glow-in-the-dark light-up toys will thrive. A standard dry location, like a bedroom, living room, or classroom, is likely most appropriate for light-up wearables, lamps, art, etc.
For toys in a sensory gym, there may be more space for light up toys that are designed for movement.
Age Appropriate
The whole goal of the list below is to replace what are often the best sellers of light-up toys with light-up options that meet the age and size of teens and adults, because the best sellers tend to be designed for babies, younger, and older children. For example, the Glo Pals light-up cube is great for a bath, but teens and adults primarily take showers, so a light-up shower head may be more usable day-to-day.
30 Light Up Toys
Light Up Color Changing Shower Head
Mini Sensory Lights Disco Ball Bracelet
Wall Size LED Light Peg Board (High Price)
LED Light Bar for Motion Wall Art
Infinite Dodecahedron Light Art
Touch Activated Cordless Dimmable Table Prism Lamp
Giant Light Up Inflatable Bowling Set
LED Light Wand Sensory Play Toy
Voice Activated Light Up Bracelet
Wearable Gross Motor LED Wings
Touch and Sound Activated Plasma Ball
Wearable Women's Tulle Light Up Skirt
Glow Worm LED Body Sized Scarf
Cross Body Light Up Vest with Slow Motion Flash
Gross Motor Hovering Soccer Ball
Color Changing Essential Oils Diffuser Night Light
Color Changing Pillow Cuddle Toy
Light Up Saucer Swing (Holds up to 660 lbs)
More Sensory Toys
If you are a special education teacher, parent, or occupational therapist looking for even more sensory toy ideas, check out the blog post links to different lists below.
For the best toys for fidgeting, the 101 Fidget Toys for Teens and Adults blog post includes an extensive list.
For sensory autism toys, check out the 101 Sensory Toys for Teens and Adults blog post for sensory toys categorized by the five senses, specifically auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and oral.
If you are looking for chewable toys, check out the 25 Chew Toys for Teens and Adults blog post.
If the light up toys get energy levels high and there needs to be some calm reassurance, check out the 50 Best Calming Sensory Toys for Teens and Adults blog post.
You may also notice that most toys listed in these blog posts can be purchased from Amazon and Etsy. Not only do these sites offer the best delivery times, but also tend to have better pricing than websites that market supplies specifically for individuals with autism. If you can think outside the box, you'll probably find more sensory solutions options and a better price!
